1.

A particle of mass m moves in a unidimensional potential field U= kx^(2)//2 (harmonic oscillator). Using the uncertainty principle, evaluate the minimum permitted energy of the particle in that field.

Answer»

Solution :We write
`P~DeltaP~(ħ)/(Deltax)~(ħ)/(x)`
i.E., all FOUR QUANTITIES are of the same ORDER of magnirude. Then
`E~~(ħ^(2))/(2 mx^(2))+(1)/(2)kx^(2)((ħ)/(x)-sqrt(mk)x)^(2)+ħsqrt((k)/(m))`
Thus we GET an equilibrium situation (`E=` minimum) when
`x=x_(0)=sqrt((ħ)/(sqrt(mk)))`
and then `E=E_(0)~~ħsqrt((k)/(m))=ħ omega`
Quantum mechanics gives `E_(0)=ħ omega//2`


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